To be honest, that sounds like complaints against the iPod, not necessarily iTunes....and if that is indeed the case, I can relate. We have an iPod Nano (old one, 1st or 2nd gen) and I didn't want to install iTunes, so we have been using Win Amp to update the iPod and it works flawlessly and pretty much just as you described with the possible exception of using it as a flash drive (though we may be able to, just never tried)

The ipod doesn't allow you to hook a USB cord up to it and access its memory directly. I'm sure there is a way or a program to force it to do it, but you can't do it conventionally.

My problem with itunes (which is the program that you upload songs to your ipod with, correct?) is that it automatically uploads/updates your ipod, there isn't much customization, it's difficult to pull things off of your ipod (even if its something you created, like a pic or video), and it isn't very user friendly. I was able to install itunes and run it just fine (note that other mp3 players don't even require the installation of a software program), but trying to navigate around it and work with my ipod is difficult at best. I only uploaded songs to my ipod once, and that was enough for me. I just deal with it the way it is, leave the original songs on it that I had from the first upload, and manage.

There are several things about this I'll address.

1st, I don't understand why you need to access the iPod's memory. I've heard many people mention this, but I don't know why you feel the need to be able to do that.

2nd, no the iPod doesn't automatically load or update, unless you have it set to do that. There is a check box in itunes that all you have to do is uncheck it. Also, adding or deleting things from an ipod is as simple as drag and drop. I think the original version (or 1st couple versions) of itunes may not have included this functionality, but it has had it now for several years. Not sure how long it's been since you tried to use it, but you should look again before you criticize, because your complaint here simply isn't accurate.

Yes, use of an ipod does require itunes. But I've never found it to be a problem. I guess hating the program is a matter of personal preference. But your other complaints simply aren't true.

_________________"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." - John Adams

“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson

October 9th, 2011, 9:16 pm

wjb21ndtown

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

Touchdown Jesus wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

TheRealWags wrote:

To be honest, that sounds like complaints against the iPod, not necessarily iTunes....and if that is indeed the case, I can relate. We have an iPod Nano (old one, 1st or 2nd gen) and I didn't want to install iTunes, so we have been using Win Amp to update the iPod and it works flawlessly and pretty much just as you described with the possible exception of using it as a flash drive (though we may be able to, just never tried)

The ipod doesn't allow you to hook a USB cord up to it and access its memory directly. I'm sure there is a way or a program to force it to do it, but you can't do it conventionally.

My problem with itunes (which is the program that you upload songs to your ipod with, correct?) is that it automatically uploads/updates your ipod, there isn't much customization, it's difficult to pull things off of your ipod (even if its something you created, like a pic or video), and it isn't very user friendly. I was able to install itunes and run it just fine (note that other mp3 players don't even require the installation of a software program), but trying to navigate around it and work with my ipod is difficult at best. I only uploaded songs to my ipod once, and that was enough for me. I just deal with it the way it is, leave the original songs on it that I had from the first upload, and manage.

There are several things about this I'll address.

1st, I don't understand why you need to access the iPod's memory. I've heard many people mention this, but I don't know why you feel the need to be able to do that.

2nd, no the iPod doesn't automatically load or update, unless you have it set to do that. There is a check box in itunes that all you have to do is uncheck it. Also, adding or deleting things from an ipod is as simple as drag and drop. I think the original version (or 1st couple versions) of itunes may not have included this functionality, but it has had it now for several years. Not sure how long it's been since you tried to use it, but you should look again before you criticize, because your complaint here simply isn't accurate.

Yes, use of an ipod does require itunes. But I've never found it to be a problem. I guess hating the program is a matter of personal preference. But your other complaints simply aren't true.

People want to access the ipods memory to be able to store documents and such on their device, to eliminate the need to carry around a flash drive. You can do it with other devices, but apple makes it intentionally hard, I don't know why?

I haven't tried the software in about a year, but why was it released without being effectively usable? That's ridiculous. I can tell you that the version that I have is terrible, and I can aptly criticize it for what it is/was, even if I'm not using the current version. Like I said, other mp3 players don't even require a software program to use. The fact that the ipod does, IMO, is just a proven negative about the product.

Like I said, it's not a great device, and there were a ton of better options before the ipod dominated the market share and other companies stopped producing theirs. Apple won a marketing battle, not a better product battle, and that doesn't even address how fragile these things are.

October 10th, 2011, 3:09 pm

njroar

QB Coach

Joined: September 25th, 2007, 3:20 amPosts: 3220

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

Apple is successful for the same reason it's hated in some circles. They're the only company that censors material. If you want something on your apple product, it has to be approved by apple. Android products are more open source. Apple in this way falls directly in line with liberal ideals. They want to educate, but they only want you having access to the information they push. They filter any porn or questionable material they don't agree with. Nanny control. Understandable for parents, but for adults that want access, its restrictive.

Same with Jobs. They say he's the anti-corporate figurehead, but under his watch, they stopped all charities and special promotions that helped education and helpful industries. It was understandable when they were struggling, but he never reinstated them when they were making record profits either. He also oversaw the complete shipping of manufacturing jobs to China. Supporters say that keeping them here would have pushed manufacturering in the US would have pushed costs higher, but it falls under the same reason they struggled in the PC market. They wanted 100% apple made parts in every machine, where the PC allowed companies around the world to make parts. They shut out the market which drove the price higher. This is where Apple fell under more Corporate mindset which is completely against what the liberals want.

Apple is an enigma of a company. Jobs left behind 4 years of products, but after that, will they be able to maintain the same ideals that have kept them on top?

October 10th, 2011, 3:26 pm

TheRealWags

Modmin Dude

Joined: December 31st, 2004, 9:55 amPosts: 12488

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

wjb21ndtown wrote:

People want to access the ipods memory to be able to store documents and such on their device, to eliminate the need to carry around a flash drive. You can do it with other devices, but apple makes it intentionally hard, I don't know why?

So you're not able to connect it to your PC/laptop and view it as a drive in Windows Explorer? Hmm, was pretty sure you could do that. I know you wouldn't be able to access the files via the iPod, but I thought you could still use it as an impromptu flash drive..I'll have to check when I get home.

_________________

Quote:

Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right....

October 10th, 2011, 4:39 pm

wjb21ndtown

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

TheRealWags wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

People want to access the ipods memory to be able to store documents and such on their device, to eliminate the need to carry around a flash drive. You can do it with other devices, but apple makes it intentionally hard, I don't know why?

So you're not able to connect it to your PC/laptop and view it as a drive in Windows Explorer? Hmm, was pretty sure you could do that. I know you wouldn't be able to access the files via the iPod, but I thought you could still use it as an impromptu flash drive..I'll have to check when I get home.

My current ipod doesn't allow it. I don't know if a newer model does or not.

October 10th, 2011, 4:41 pm

TheRealWags

Modmin Dude

Joined: December 31st, 2004, 9:55 amPosts: 12488

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

wjb21ndtown wrote:

TheRealWags wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

People want to access the ipods memory to be able to store documents and such on their device, to eliminate the need to carry around a flash drive. You can do it with other devices, but apple makes it intentionally hard, I don't know why?

So you're not able to connect it to your PC/laptop and view it as a drive in Windows Explorer? Hmm, was pretty sure you could do that. I know you wouldn't be able to access the files via the iPod, but I thought you could still use it as an impromptu flash drive..I'll have to check when I get home.

My current ipod doesn't allow it. I don't know if a newer model does or not.

I have a 1st or 2nd Gen....

_________________

Quote:

Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right....

October 10th, 2011, 4:44 pm

wjb21ndtown

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

TheRealWags wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

TheRealWags wrote:

wjb21ndtown wrote:

People want to access the ipods memory to be able to store documents and such on their device, to eliminate the need to carry around a flash drive. You can do it with other devices, but apple makes it intentionally hard, I don't know why?

So you're not able to connect it to your PC/laptop and view it as a drive in Windows Explorer? Hmm, was pretty sure you could do that. I know you wouldn't be able to access the files via the iPod, but I thought you could still use it as an impromptu flash drive..I'll have to check when I get home.

My current ipod doesn't allow it. I don't know if a newer model does or not.

I have a 1st or 2nd Gen....

My nano and shuffle don't read as storage devices (not even a drive device like a camera). It just says a new device is detected, and it doesn't show up in "my computer" as a drive, and you can't force it open with the "run" prompt either...

People want to access the ipods memory to be able to store documents and such on their device, to eliminate the need to carry around a flash drive. You can do it with other devices, but apple makes it intentionally hard, I don't know why?

So you're not able to connect it to your PC/laptop and view it as a drive in Windows Explorer? Hmm, was pretty sure you could do that. I know you wouldn't be able to access the files via the iPod, but I thought you could still use it as an impromptu flash drive..I'll have to check when I get home.

My current ipod doesn't allow it. I don't know if a newer model does or not.

I have a 1st or 2nd Gen....

My nano and shuffle don't read as storage devices (not even a drive device like a camera). It just says a new device is detected, and it doesn't show up in "my computer" as a drive, and you can't force it open with the "run" prompt either...

You can set any ipod into disc mode, and it acts as a hard drive. So you can most definitely do all the things you're talking about. I know you could do it on all models up to the ipod touch anyway.

Honestly, I haven't used an ipod in a long time. I use my phone as my mp3 player now. I have for at least 2 years.

_________________"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." - John Adams

“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson

I'll just add that there are numerous examples of "superior" technology not being the best selling. Betamax comes to mind most prominently. The PS3 is also more capable than the XBox360, but it doesn't sell as well.

There are many many other examples. The point is that technological superiority doesn't really mean much if it's not what people really want.

_________________"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." - John Adams

“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson

October 10th, 2011, 6:56 pm

Blueskies

QB Coach

Joined: September 13th, 2007, 12:43 pmPosts: 3084

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

Yeah, the Zune was the johnny come latey and there are network effects.

Five years ago I bought an iPod over a Zune even though I knew the Zune was superior just because it was easier to integrate my car stero with the iPod.

October 10th, 2011, 10:45 pm

conversion02

RIP Killer

Joined: January 26th, 2005, 9:34 pmPosts: 10773Location: Sycamore, IL

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

Except...the zune sucks. Battery life is horrible and mine had multiple formatting issues with my pc (2 of them actually). The issue was resolved when I formatted the drive from a MAC lol.

Oh, and the 360 runs circles around the ps3 - sonys only saving grace is they snatched up the blue ray while MS was screwing around with hd dvd

______________________Fire everyone; clean house!

October 11th, 2011, 12:36 am

Blueskies

QB Coach

Joined: September 13th, 2007, 12:43 pmPosts: 3084

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

The Zune actually had better battery life than the iPod. It also came with more features for less money.

As for the PS3/360 debate--don't want to get off topic here, but my PC can run any game that my PS3 can't. There's no point to have a 360 if you have a decent gaming PC.

October 11th, 2011, 12:46 am

conversion02

RIP Killer

Joined: January 26th, 2005, 9:34 pmPosts: 10773Location: Sycamore, IL

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

My zune had a battery life of about 10 hours when I got it new. My old iPod had a battery life well into the 14 hr mark. Also, my iPod wasn't a brick like the zune.

As for features....wifi? That was pretty much useless. At least the iPod touch destroyed the zune.

If the zune was worth half a crap, it would have sold and MS would still be making it. However, it's now a relic and my old 30 gb zune is a paperweight...just like my ancient archos jukebox (what a complete POS)

______________________Fire everyone; clean house!

October 11th, 2011, 12:59 am

conversion02

RIP Killer

Joined: January 26th, 2005, 9:34 pmPosts: 10773Location: Sycamore, IL

Re: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56

Blueskies wrote:

As for the PS3/360 debate--don't want to get off topic here, but my PC can run any game that my PS3 can't. There's no point to have a 360 if you have a decent gaming PC.

Thats not really the point. The 360 eliminates that need for dual 512mb video cards in a $2000 gaming computer. The entire interface of xbox live is lightyears ahead of the PSN (plus, xbox live hasn't been hacked and shut down for 2+ weeks). I know a handful of PS faithfuls that converted due to sonys garbage network security